Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $31.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $31.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,456 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,868 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Elizabeth, NJ can expect a median hourly rate of $31.95, which is significantly higher than the national median of $28.93 per hour. This attractive pay reflects the high demand for skilled technicians in a city where residential and commercial infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and installation of HVAC systems. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a solid income that can support a comfortable lifestyle. The hourly earnings range from $21.76 for entry-level positions to $49.52 for experienced technicians, providing ample opportunity for wage growth as professionals gain experience in various environments such as residential service calls, commercial rooftop units, or specialty refrigeration for supermarkets.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.76 | $174.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.84 | $206.73 |
| Median (P50) | $31.95 | $255.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.89 | $327.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.52 | $396.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $31.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.95/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $66,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,334. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,277.82 | $5,537 | $66,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $766.69 | $3,322 | $39,868 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $511.13 | $2,215 | $26,579 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Elizabeth) | $31.95 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Auto Service Technician (National Avg) | $24.83 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $66,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.44% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $65,863.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.95/hr = $39,868/year (purchasing power: $34,608).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,446/year (purchasing power: $57,679).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Elizabeth grew 25.2% from $24.58/hr (2019) to $30.77/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.17/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer in Elizabeth
When considering the part-time earning potential for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week, they could bring home around $39,665 annually. This figure contrasts with full-time technicians whose earnings might be substantially higher. For those in per diem roles, such as travel HVAC technicians on out-of-town projects, daily per diem rates of $80-$150 can substantially increase earning potential, alongside hourly rates ranging from $30-$55. In Elizabeth, various employers affect hourly compensation; residential service companies often offer competitive rates to attract skilled technicians, while commercial contractors or self-employed contractors may see rates influenced by specific project demands. Some professionals choose lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay rates without those benefits. Understanding the diverse compensation landscape in Elizabeth can lead to better negotiation outcomes, empowering technicians to maximize their worth in this growing field.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Elizabeth in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Elizabeth?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Elizabeth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Elizabeth?
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Elizabeth. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elizabeth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov